NN online:
The inaugural day of the first-ever real-time Durga Utsav at Times Square, Manhattan witnessed a spectacular convergence of cultures, as massive crowds gathered to celebrate the festival in the heart of the city. The evening came alive with vibrant dance performances by Nrityanjali and Garba by Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, a mesmerizing musical recital by eminent singers Lopamudra Mitra and Joy Sarkar , and traditional festivities that transported the audience straight to Kolkata’s pujo spirit. The event was graced by several dignitaries and foreign delegates, making it a truly international celebration that showcased Bengali rich heritage on the global stage.
The second and final day of the Times Square Durga Utsav turned Father Duffy Square into a vibrant stage of art, devotion and culture, leaving the city awestruck.
The highlight of the evening was a mesmerising ballet by Rimli Roy, who presented her English adaptation of the Ramayan with striking elegance and universal appeal – a truly multicultural depiction spanning artists from varied ethnic origins. This was followed by the Nrityanjali troupe’s breathtaking dance drama “Mahishasur Mardini”, a spectacular performance that drew thunderous applause.
Singer Deyashini Roy added a soulful touch to the celebrations with her mellifluous renditions, seamlessly blending tradition with melody.
The festivities culminated with the traditional Dhunuchi Nach and the emotional, colourful ritual of Sindoor Khela, symbolising the triumph of good over evil and bidding farewell to Goddess Durga.
This landmark celebration was inspired by UNESCO’s recognition of Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which encouraged the organisers to take the festival to a global stage. While nearly 60 Durga Pujas are held across the New York region, Times Square was chosen as the symbolic epicentre of world culture. The initiative received immense support from the New York Mayor’s Office, while the stunning idol of Goddess Durga was crafted in Kolkata by renowned sculptor Pradip Rudra Paul. Keshav Chattopadhyay played the role of chief priest for the rituals. Chief advisor and pioneer of theme pujas in Kolkata, Mridul Pathak thanked committee of organizers, vendors sponsors and expressed gratitude to two eminent sons of Bengal Dr Kali Pradeep Choudhury of California and Chandrashekhar Ghosh of Kolkata. The other cultural organizations which took part in the two day festival includes Bahnisikha, Rabindra Academy, Ranjanee, Om Shakti Mandir and there were musical renditions by Shah Mehboob, Krishna Tithi, Rituparna Banerjee and Debarati Bhattacharya.
Organised by the Times Square Durga Utsav Association, the two-day celebration not only showcased the richness of Bengali culture on one of the world’s biggest stages but also strengthened the spirit of togetherness across communities. With a promise of an even grander celebration next year, the Times Square Durga Utsav concluded on a joyous and memorable note
